Mandy galbraith
My work is inspired by nature, and I mostly paint abstract landscapes and
seascapes that are an expression of place rather than a literal representation of it.
Beginning with a reference photo for composition, shapes and inspiration, I
allow intuition and the creative process itself to take over. The final work is
usually very different from the original scene, shaped instead by colour, texture,
movement and response.
I paint in many layers, building slowly and intuitively, asking constantly what
the painting needs next. There is something about this layering process that
reminds me of the history of the earth itself — layers of rock, weathered surfaces, shifting landscapes and the passing of time. The marks and textures left behind become part of the painting’s story.
Patchwork Landscape Collection
This collection was inspired by the beautiful countryside of Hope Valley in Derbyshire,
England — a place close to my heart and filled with memories of walks with family through
Edale, Eyam and Hathersage. The rolling hills, stone walls and layered fields create a
patchwork effect across the landscape, especially when viewed from a distance, and it was
this feeling that first sparked the title of the series.
The idea of “patchwork” also became part of the process itself. Each painting is built through
layers of paint, collage, texture and mark making using pieces of old maps, handmade papers,
sewing patterns, book pages, fragments of older work and even traces from my paint palette.
I loved slowly building these surfaces and allowing the paintings to evolve intuitively over
time.
Viewed from further away, the works can feel whole and connected, while up close more
details begin to reveal themselves — hidden collage, drips, textures, patterns and layers that
may not be noticed at first glance. I enjoy the idea that the paintings continue to unfold
slowly, offering something different over time and from different distances.
For me, these works reflect not only the landscape itself, but also the way life is built through
layers of memory, experience and change — pieces gathered over time that slowly become
part of a larger whole.
